tenth anniversary

Ten years of being married to you. One decade. Where do I even begin?

Our life seems to change from year to year, and although it’s had its downs, I would say that this stage of life is one of our best and strongest yet.

We worked hard to get here. It took us six years of unrelenting searching to find this acreage. Now that we are here, we are thanking God and counting our blessings everyday through conversation and as we pray. We are renovating slowly this time just so that we don’t finish it too quickly and then get an urge to move and start over again. We are mindfully adding things (like fire pits and playhouses) to our property so we can take the time to unwind throughout the day and during the night and really just enjoy this life. This life that we have built together.

We waited five years exactly before I became pregnant with our first child. Then nearly three years later we added our second. This is what works for our family. We had those wonderful years where we could solely focus on one, and now we are focusing intently on both of them. Although we do get tired, we are far from overwhelmed or stressed out. They are beautiful and sweet children, and we are so lucky to have been made their parents.

Our journey is far from over. We are strengthening our relationship with God, living meaningfully, trying our hardest to reduce our waste and preserve the planet (a far cry from previous years), learning how to be less anxious and relax more, striving to be the best parents, communicating more to improve our marriage, and trying to give back when we can. Personally, you would like to make more family traditions, advance in your career, and just have more fun. I would love to eventually have one more child and then to foster children. 

Only God knows what the next year of marriage will bring. I hope that among all the bad in the world right now, that it will begin to shift to only good for everyone on this planet. Also, that the good that comes from our family will continue forward. I love you all!

Em

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in memory of bridget

It is with absolute sadness that I write today that my beautiful soul of a sister-in-law passed away. I cannot imagine what it will be like without her. She was always there when we went to visit Geoffrey’s family, and came to every event and occasion that we invited her to. She was one of Remy’s favourite people, and had already spoiled Wilder rotten in the few months that she knew him. We will certainly continue to always talk about her and keep her memory alive.

Here is a snippet of Bridget’s short but full life, as taken from her memorial card:

“Bridget was an A+ student throughout her school years and received a scholarship to the U of S. She worked very hard on continuing her education via online learning and studied many different areas including Art, Environmental Science and Nutrition.

“As Bridget’s health began to fail she was less able to be away from their family home, so she developed her passion for horticulture … Bridget was very successful in planning small and large gardens on the farm and these became her haven of peace and tranquility.

“Bridget was addicted to the Food Network and spent many hours planning and preparing exotic meals and snacks … She would not miss the annual Taste of Saskatchewan food festival on Saskatoon’s riverbank and always tried as many new dishes as humanly possible.

“Bridget took some beautiful pictures and was so good at editing photography and creating movies that she was the extended families expert. She loved paper crafts, scrapbooking and making personal cards for every occasion and would send unique works of art to her relatives and friends … She had many pen pals all over the world that she kept in contact with through hand written letters.

“Bridget’s quiet and dry sense of humour kept everyone on their toes.

“In restaurants Bridget always took note of people who ate alone especially seniors or those who appeared to have less than her. She would pay for their meal anonymously. She always put everyone else first. She always stood up for the underdog and advocated and supported them. Bridget might have been small but she had a huge heart.

“The love of her life was her 3 year old niece Remy. Bridget had an amazing relationship with her, and Remy was very much in love with “Aunty B” as they spent time playing, crafting and laughing. Bridget’s life may have been short lived on earth but the lives she touched in her short time was awe-inspiring.

“Bridget struggled with her health since she was 5 years old. Her complicated medical condition was so rare; one doctor said that if the cause were ever discovered, they would probably name it after her … She was very strong willed and determined not to let any obstacles get in her way and had proven the doctors wrong many times.

“Bridget taught us so much; Love one another- Do not judge others- Be humble- Treat everyone with patience and kindness- Don’t dwell on what you can’t control- If it doesn’t help, don’t say it- Forgive each other and lastly- Consider organ donation, talk about it and let your family know your wishes.”

You can get a better sense of Bridget by visiting her colourful and creative blog here.

Rest in peace, Bridge. We miss you.

Emory

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ninth anniversary

My darling husband. Nine years ago (on one warm morning) we eloped. It feels like a lifetime ago. So much has happened since then.

Nine years. Eight jobs. Seven moves. Six pets. Five properties. Four vehicles. Three pregnancies. Two children. One adventure.

Onwards and upwards, my love. Next year is a big one.

xoxo

Emmy

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wilder’s baptism

Two Sundays ago, Wilder was baptized into the Roman Catholic church.

We spent the morning getting ready at home. I set out the food that I had spent weeks preparing. I made an appetizer tray, bread, macaroni salad for the adults, slow cooker mac and cheese for the kids, banana bread, cookies, and strawberry crumb muffins (TBA).

Remy and I had also created origami crosses the day before. After she painted them, I hung them on the wall.

The decorations- which included a tablecloth, dinner plates, utensils, religious garland, and cups- were all purchased from Party City in Saskatoon, SK. I did what I could to show our faith and love for our son!

We drove into the city and met my husband’s family for mass. Afterwards, my sister and her family and my step-dad showed up. I fed and changed Wilder into his outfit, and he, along with nine other babies, were baptized. It only took 30 minutes!

The baptism went very quickly and very smoothly as well. We had a reading a few words from our kind and humorous priest. Wilder was entertained by everything around him. He got oil on his chest and the most beautiful smelling oil on his head. He didn’t cry. Remy was her usual bratty self and hopped around entertaining everyone. She even tried blowing out the baptismal candles as they were being lit and made everyone crack up.

Geoff’s parents served as Wilder’s godparents. Afterwards, we were given a candle, certificate, and scarf. Then we left and everyone came out to our new home on our acreage. We had an early supper and the kids ran around inside and outside. It was just a lovely, lovely day. Most importantly, Wilder is now a child of God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Emory

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remy’s birthday photography

Nearly one month ago, we celebrated Remy turning three. I decided that I wanted to throw her a big party this year, given that last year’s party didn’t go as planned. I had originally booked a room at an indoor playground for her second birthday, but my side of the family were fighting with one another and were threatening not to come in order to avoid certain relatives, so I had to cancel it all to make them happy. In the end, it was such a chaotic and depressing birthday and I didn’t want that to be the case again this year. Hence a party for my best gal at one of our favourite places- the Western Development Museum.

The museum was so quiet that morning. I think there were only a few families besides our big group. We spent almost two hours running around. The kids went in and out of buildings, played on the old cars, with trains, and everything else that you could think of. When Remy wasn’t holding hands with her cousins or friend, she was getting held or chasing someone. She loved the attention and everyone there.

I had rented the Palace Theatre for the morning of March 2nd. That included a large room on the second floor, and entire balcony, and a few other little rooms that were up there. I also paid for a catered lunch. Honestly, it was the best and easiest thing ever. It was such a beautiful setting and everyone raved about the food. We had soup, wraps, sandwiches, cheese, pickles, pie, coffee, tea, juice, and more. It was very reasonably priced as well. I can’t wait to have more events there.

This and her Moonrise Kingdom party have been two of my greatest days ever. What a way to celebrate the previous year, as well as turning another year older. I love celebrating her, and getting friends and family together to do so as well. If only people could get along for the sake of a child. Hopefully in time everyone can happily coexist with one another. That would be wonderful.

Emory

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  • Hello! My name is Emory. I am a wife, mother of four (three on earth in heaven). This is our life on the Canadian prairies.
    email: helloscarlettblog@outlook.com

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